Peter Martindale ACR is a professionally accredited conservator with over 30 years’ experience specialising in the conservation of wall paintings, paintings, and polychromed artefacts. Based in Salisbury, he works across the UK and internationally, applying rigorous conservation ethics and methods to the care and treatment of historically significant artworks.
Trained at the renowned Canterbury Cathedral Wall Paintings Workshop under Wolfgang Gaertner, Peter combines deep technical knowledge with a sensitive, hands-on approach tailored to each project. His work spans religious, domestic, and public heritage contexts—from medieval church murals to oil paintings in historic houses and polychrome sculpture in institutional collections.
Peter’s practice offers in-situ treatments and studio-based work, balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern scientific understanding. He frequently collaborates with architects, custodians, and fellow heritage professionals, providing condition assessments, conservation reports, and ongoing care recommendations. Through his business, Peter Martindale Conservation, he ensures every commission receives careful attention and bespoke solutions, grounded in respect for the object's material history and cultural value.
Services for heritage organisations
As a practicing conservator Peter has undertaken work for parish churches, cathedrals, English Heritage, the National Trust, the Ministry of Defence, city councils and private clients.
When working with heritage organisations it is usual to find that not only is there a need to undertake the practical measures to a high quality, but also to explain those measures clearly and concisely in illustrated documentation both before and after treatment. Peter utilises his diagnostic and communicative skills in preparing these reports which are valuable not only in the short term for informed decision making, but in the longer term so that future generations know what was done and why.
On larger scale projects generally associated with heritage organisations the work requires more than one pair of hands. In such situations Peter seeks assistance from skilled and competent conservators, some of whom he has worked alongside for more than a decade.
Services for private clients
From his studio Peter undertakes the conservation of smaller transportable items. Such items include paintings and polychrome decoration of wood, stone or plaster; and smaller sculptures. Clients are generally private individuals, but can also be heritage organisations or churches.
With the conservation of any artefact there is usually a selection of treatments available for consideration. Peter’s approach is to explain and discuss treatment options with the client so that an informed decision can be made as to the most appropriate solution. Within the scope of these discussions it is important to consider longer term conservation concerns; for instance issues associated with display and environment.
Biography
Peter Martindale ACR
Peter offers care and advice for the conservation of historically and artistically valuable interiors and artefacts to heritage organisations and communities, churches, cathedrals and private individuals. His experience in conservation began with an apprenticeship at Canterbury Cathedral Wall Paintings Workshop from 1985 until 1988. From the first day it was very much ‘hands on’ training, working on wall paintings, decorative polychromy and decorative plasterwork.
In order to develop his practical experience further Peter assisted a number of senior conservators in the private sector throughout the British Isles, including a period with Historic Scotland. During that time, through the nature of the projects and the conservators he was involved with Peter’s skill base grew to include paintings on canvas, gilding and stone sculpture.
In 2003 Peter established his own practice in Fovant, near Salisbury; where he operates from his studio. The studio itself is the realisation of a vision held since first entering the field of conservation.
Whilst retaining his delight in the practical side of his profession Peter has developed his diagnostic skills, allowing him to prepare detailed illustrated condition assessments as part of an overall conservation service.
- Website:
- petermartindale.org.uk/
Client testimonials
Peter Martindale has recently restored the ornate reredo and it's surrounding panelling here at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dorchester. Peter's work has greatly enhanced this most distinguished artefact which is now admired by parishioners and visitors alike. Peter was committed to his task and worked with painstaking care and professionalism on this important project. We extend our gratitude to him and we have no hesitation in recommending his work.
Fr. John Rice
Parish Priest, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Dorchester